Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

Ok. So it took me a while to get through this one. Not because I didn't want to, but I've been...busy. And reading has not been a top priority for me lately.

Anyway. So maybe that's why I didn't enjoy Sparks as I have before. Or maybe it really is the fact that I can only enjoy every other one of the books he puts out, I don't know.

Generally, I read two of his books and only enjoy one of them.

This book was painfully predictable. (I did actually skim the last couple choppy chapters just to get to the end and prove myself right -- I couldn't take the time to properly finish reading). I hate giving up on a book, and I was so close with this one anyway. But I knew what was going to happen, almost from the start. Do not, I repeat, do NOT use a cookie cutter to write a book. It will come back to haunt you.

Also, my library card was blocked, so I wanted to get this overdue junk back. When my card is blocked, it's like my soul isn't free. (I know, melodramatic).

Anyway, I don't feel like going into it much. The entire thing seemed like a waste of my time, it took me eons to get through (because I was otherwise occupied), and I just wasn't motivated to finish.

Ready to move on to something else.

Oh, and Happy Christmas.

The Last Letter from your Lover by Jojo Moyes

If there's anything I should know by now, it's that I'm a sucker for early-to-mid-twentieth century novels (I don't know why, so dont' ask).

Add to it that this is a story (in three parts) about finding the love of your life and finally coming alive and changing your situation and -- namely, the man being an exquisite writer, and you're talking about a book I found difficult to put down.

The man is the hopeless romantic in this one, and therefore the great letter writer.

It's been a few days since I read this, as I forgot to post, so it's not as fresh in my memory as I would like - but this has been one of my favorite books thus far (since beginning this blog).

The story entrapped me; the writing was fine but it was the ideas that kept me turning the pages.

You will inevitably hate a good story at some point within. All strong emotions are connected, and this proved to be no different. I appreciate this work a great deal.

Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close

Hello. I'm a big fan of the writing, not the story. I LOVE the the tone, and the truth - this book answered a lot of questions for me pertaining to "is this normal?" or "should I be freaked out that I feel this way?" The answer is no. You are a woman and you are psycho sometimes and that's ok. (Also: everyone is crazy sometimes). 

I kept pulling for the 'main' character (if you can call her that) to be married at the end, but it didn't happen. I think that was the point of the book. She found peace, or acceptance, or - something. And it didn't come in the form of a diamond ring and 1.5 kids. I like that. I enjoy an ending ...and who knows, she may eventually, but the ending was calm. I enjoy an ending that isn't stereotypical and its honest and pure which is to say: it is what it is. 

Sorry, it's really loud in here so it's hard to concentrate. 

The First Husband by Laura Dave

I felt like the speaker was me, 10 years from now. It was very strange and surreal.

Albeit, I would probably not have the same experiences. But the mindset and the awkwardness and the reactions to life's general complexities - they were all me. Was this character that universally true, or am I just that complicated?

This was a beautiful, engaging and simple read. I appreciate that. I appreciate the truthful ending - a lesson I desperately need to learn. The Ending need not be storybook in order to be romantic, (or what is in our best interest and therefore - amazing).

Quit romanticizing my life. It only adds harm to wonder so many 'what ifs' you can't possibly see straight - that there is no end on the horizon, but only more doors to enter and explore. One day, you will inevitably be exhausted from trying so hard to "find" something - when truthfully, the best thing for you was generally the simplest answer.

Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child

I'm really glad one of my friends downtown recommended this author. He was, of course, going to be in town, and I wanted to be prepared in case I spoke with him.

But it was better than that; I simply enjoyed the read. The beginning may have been a bit much for me, but I finished in only a couple days; it was hard to put down and very fast-paced (I appreciate this).

I never pegged myself for a thriller fan, but that's the beauty of life - discovering things about yourself you never knew.

Carry on.

The Rest of the Firstborn series

and 



Dirty, nasty Christian propaganda. I finally realized why it was so difficult to read and finish this series (and this was a while ago, it's taken me some time to get around to writing this). These books, these characters, assume that your best life will come around by being Christian. If you have fallen by the wayside, and let sin in - your life is going to suck until you get right with God again - and then things will magically fall into place.

That's what is so disgusting about this series. No, there are no perfect relationships (I'm specifically referring to Ashley's life with her husband and children - gag.) I've stopped believing that there is "one" person for every one out there, and you will never truly and completely be happy until you find them (the main character - I can't think of what her name is right now). And most importantly, God does not promise perfection. He doesn't even promise happiness. He says He will watch over us and hold us when we are going through storms, and yes, on a psychological level this is comforting - but please.

I can't hold out for a man who may not exist. Yes, I could wait for a Christian guy to come along - but that's not a promise he wouldn't hit me, or be into drugs, or whatever else. We are a fallen people - and coming to Christ helps us be better, inspires us to be more than we are (or at least attempt to be, in His name). But - the notion that I should be looking singularly for a Christian man is as ridiculous as holding out for one with blue eyes and blonde hair, because that "is my type".

Christianity does not equal a good person (and in many cases, is a promise of the exact opposite). I've known just as many, if not more hateful, spiteful, terrible Christians as I have not.

Of course, that's not the way Jesus wants it, but as I said - we are a fallen people. We are all striving towards something more, something better (or we should be, at least) - but your religion changes nothing about  you, singularly.

Meaning, it is not the deciding factor. Yes, a person can accept a personal relationship with Jesus and their mindset and demeanor can completely change, and they can become a "better person" - but the fact that you go and sit in a sanctuary for an hour every week does not make you a better person. It could, in fact, make you worse - if you then use that insignificant fact to elevate yourself above those who do not.

Yes, a Christian mate could make a better mate - but life is so short, why wait?

I believe we all have a path - God's Will for our lives. And as many times and I have veered from my faith - I still feel as though regardless of what I do, it's all been known before. Regardless of what I do - I still think I'm going to get to where I'm going, eventually.

If I make the scenery a little more colorful along the way, I would assume that would only make Him smile. Life is a gift and I do not wish to waste it.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

I suppose this blog will become a bit of a confessional as well. I could not finish this book. I couldn't even get halfway through it. I was reading it fairly well, moving along - and then had a lull of a few days. Now, I can barely think to pick it back up. It does not entice me at all, contrary to the effect of the title. I'm sure if my patience was longer -- perhaps. I just don't feel like reading anything I don't absolutely want to right now.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Where do I even begin? The Red Tent by Anita Diamant may be one of the most powerful novels I have read, but in the most subtle way imaginable. Written believably as the account of Dinah, sister to the heads of the 12 tribes of Israel (and with a distinctive Jewish flare), this book is like nothing I've ever read before. It is more. Here is what I have been searching for in my life's journey thus far; here is where my search ends and my understanding and knowledge begin a new beginning. 

Without getting too personal, there were things in my life that happened. Things that, given my background, were surprising to myself and those around me. They opened my eyes to acceptance and awareness of myself and those around me, but at the same time, it was a constant struggle with my Otherness. 

I realize in my spiritual/religious/faith journey that I lacked a quintessential part. For, in my faith system, there is one God who is referred to always in masculine terms (even though He is written as neither male nor female). There is worship of this one great male deity, and rites of passage: He is to be seen as the One above all else - He has no equal, and there were none before and will be none after Him. He created all, and is everywhere at once. 

However, there is no feminine answer to this; no celebration of being a woman in my religion. We go about the drudgery of a monthly period with no deterrence from our daily lives; we do not celebrate when we join the sacred coven of womanhood, nor do we explore our femininity at all, to most extents. There has been a huge movement away from being proud of being a woman -- and this is where I found my unhappiness. 

The Red Tent opened my eyes to the greatness and beauty of femininity. We are unique and separate from men, and those differences should be praised - not hindered. 

In my religion, the man is the head of the household, with the woman subordinate. (Of course, this is a rather unpopular stance from a "modern" standpoint, however it is still the case, fundamentally - regardless of whether it is truly practiced or not).

The Red Tent explores this grand wholeness - that a man is not whole without a woman and a woman is not whole without a man - no, I said that wrong. We are whole, uniquely unto ourselves. But regarding a "head" of the house - a man alone does not a great leader make. Women are gifted with things men are not - and it is the two together, complementing each other and diversifying one another that makes such a union great and satisfying. 

This realization makes me long for a Christian goddess, or a view on God from the feminine perspective (since, as it says in the Bible, God is not male or female). He embodies everything - and I know this goes back to things on a more historical level, that I cannot claim to know ANYTHING about....but I do wish little girls, teenage girls, women about to marry, women in the fruit of their lives - I wish we had more sacred things to hold dear. More rituals to uphold, more stories to tell, more pride to take from society in being the special being we are - a woman. 

I could go on, but the weather outside is too nice. 

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

If I could, I would tear this book into two pieces. I would keep the first half and completely rewrite the second. I fell in love with this book, until the end. Too many characters, too much going on, too much of a rush to get to a certain point, and then end. I got bored with trying to finish it, but I can't say I didn't enjoy reading it.

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

It was hard to put this one down, as it usually is with this author's work. I finished it in -- three days? I'm not sure.

The mark of a great author is when you can hate a character, or a story, but be so desperate to find out what happens anyone. When you become so vested in the writing that you read in spite of yourself - that's when you know it's really good.

I could not identify with the characters, as I have not shared their experience. I cannot pretend to understand the complexities of the situations they were in - but I became emotionally attached regardless.

Specifically the wife in the book - I do not understand her world, where she was coming from, or anything. I have no friends like her and I do not expect to ever become intimate with anyone closely resembling her. I disliked who she was, how whiney, how she knew she was the cause of the problems in their marriage, but turned the blame elsewhere; was almost glad when there was a reason to cast fault to someone else.

She was weak, to me. Both women were.

But, I guess, (sadly), they were real. And that's why I couldn't stop.

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

Excellent read! I'm not sure if I would liken it to A Tree Grows... as I read someone else did, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The ending was also special - poignant yet strong. This is the ultimate book of (stereotypes, yes) Girl Power! A definite read for any pre-teen/teen unsure of herself and needing a strong, female, values-driven hero.

I picked this up because it came across me at the library - someone else had checked it out. Not my usual read (for the past few months) - definitely not your straightforward definition of chic lit - (how I wish it was!). Smartly written, the main character is believable, genuine. Very well written as well. Possibly predictable, but not so much that it detracts from the story in any way.

Thank you, Ms. Kwok! Loved it - especially the way it ends :) (no, we don't need men to be successful and overall happy and well-rounded!)

Forgiven by Karen Kingsbury

I must be getting desensitized (?) to the bad writing. This one was a little better, and as I've said before - I am a complete sucker for series. I actually enjoyed this story a bit more than the last one - the situations, characters, plot, etc were all still weak - but I am interested in what happens to the characters (even if it is already blatantly obvious). Yes, it is. But that's alright -- for now.

I don't have to defend my opinions, I guess. Maybe just my taste in books. I still would not recommend this author to most people. But it's something to pass the time, and comes from a place I used to know.

The Next Queen of Heaven

It started out with potential. The plot summary sounded fascinating. I read a few chapters in and realized -- there are some authors whose writing I simply cannot stand. It has nothing to do with the language (there was quite a bit) - and I was wholeheartedly disappointed, because I really did want to read the story itself. I realized a short time later, this is the author of Wicked. Another book that, for whatever reason, I simply could not get through - not because of the story or the words, but simply the way it was written. I know this sounds silly, but I have a feeling I would loathe Gregory Maguire, should I ever meet him.

Perhaps the word I'm looking for is pretentious, but I know this is harsh. Whatever the case, I had to give up (and I really, really hate that - as I'm looking for contemporary Christian fiction that defies the rules of what makes it Christian. I was sure I had found a good example of what I am looking for in this novel.

It was - busy and flat, simultaneously. As a man's eyes die when he is trying too hard to prove he hasn't lost his will to live, completely.

These Things Hidden

Whoa.

This book did not pull me in at all. I kept reading (I'm not sure why). You'll have to excuse me - apparently my typing is too loud for my mother, so she insists on turning the volume up on the television, so sequentially, I can't hear myself think.

Anyway.

I'm not sure why I kept reading this book - I really wanted to get to the end, to see what the point was. It was kind of like a snowball rolling downhill. The story kept getting bigger and bigger and rolling faster and faster until the very end where you're wondering what just happened.

I probably shouldn't have finished reading this book right before I wanted to go to bed, but oh well. It had a ... sort-of happy ending. (Still amazingly creepy in many, many ways).

Kind of glad it's over. People are so messed up.

I'd say more, but as I said, I can't really hear myself think.

Fame by Karen Kingsbury

I checked this out at the recommendation of a friend - I can usually spot a hokey Christian book from a mile away. It did not disappoint. The characters were basically 2D and the writing was flat - if one wishes to write in a pious manner, one must also write stagnant and boring, apparently. However, it doesn't take much thought to read through, so I will probably continue on with the series (I'm a sucker for series) - it also reminded me of earlier days, when I was young and naive and would most likely been swept away with the story, instead of cynical and unimpressed with the holier-than-though theme found with perfect continuity throughout.

I found it particularly predictable and probably wouldn't recommend it, but it was good for what it was (not awful).

Maybe that's where I'll make my millions; I'll write a Christian novel with depth and an interesting plot.

Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin

Ah, gees. I was ready, about five chapters from the end of this book, to completely throw it across the room, burn it, and write a very nasty letter to the author (I was NOT happy with the way the book was going, to say the least). However, it redeemed itself, completely. It reminded me why I'm in the relationship that I am in, and how much I love that person. It reminded me that usually, people who say "oh, I fell in love with them because they make me laugh, and we have so much in common" are usually full of it; that true love doesn't need reasons (because it is a verb; a decision; a completely conscious thought - a choice). Not always, and maybe not at the beginning, but when you get down to the nitty gritty, that's what remains - only what you put in. I love this book, simply stated. I hate what almost happened, and the underlying causes of it - but I love the ending! Women can be idiots, but sometimes do make the right decision in the end! There are simply "good men" out there - and if you find one, you should do everything you possibly can to keep him (because he is a rare and unique treasure, indeed).

I love you, J.

Baby Proof

I was kind of hoping for a different ending (not "weeeeeell.....here's a happily ever after, but not a perfect ending....and it MIGHT turn out the way you want it to..but it might not!") If you're going to be horrible predictable and monotonous, at least give me what I want! (A baby at the end). Yes, I still enjoy the "this is the life of a hip woman in the big city with her fab friends and relate-able family". However, stagnancy is present. Yes, I enjoy the writing, yes I enjoy the plot/story line/chic lit feel....but maybe I need to start reading something else. Even if this is still a guilty slight pleasure.

How to be Single

Whatever. The book was ok.

The Baby Planner

It didn't end exactly the way I wanted it to; but that's alright (life is like that usually, isn't it?) You get what's best for you in the end (maybe not what you've been obsessing over...but what you need).

Ouch. What a metaphor for my life.

But ANYWAY - in other news, I could not put this book down. It made me introspective, I laughed, -- would definitely read this one (to most people - in most circumstances..not all). Probably not the book for you if you're having trouble having a child.

But overall, good read. Thumbs up.

Something Blue by Emily Giffin

A-ma-zing! I fell in love with Rachel from Something Borrowed, and HAD to know what happened to her ex-bff, turned arch enemy Darcy in this second installment. I loved to hate Darcy, the quintessential villian from my own adolescent years; it was vastly fulfilling to watch as she morphed into a different person entirely (predictable, yes - how could she turn out any differently?)- but charming and wonderful all the same. A great read! (If you're into Chic Lit, that is...)

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

I had actually forgotten to post after finishing this one - but there are so many good books out there, it's hard to take time out from one before you're onto another. I LOVE the Sookie books - I credit a friend for getting me into them. This latest installment did not disappoint; however, it was not the shining addition I had hoped it would be. Towards the middle and end of the book, the plot did pick up and, as usual, I was drawn into the book merely because of what had come before it and my familiarity with the characters. A page turner because I needed to know what happened to the characters; it took me a while to get into it as a book on its own. A good read, nonetheless.

Excellent.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Seems interesting.

Janet Evanovich

I could go back and rehash all the books I've read (I just recently finished a Nicholas Sparks piece), but I decided to start this blog with whatever book I'm currently on. I began the first Stephanie Plum book this evening and read three chapters into it, before remembering how much I can't stand most people from New Jersey.

No, in all honesty - a friend at work told me I should read Evanovich to ease into the Mystery genre (I'd never read a mystery before), but this fast-paced, culture-heavy piece leaves me...unentertained. I get the feeling I would be more interested, were this a television show. Yes, I should read more, and perhaps I will. But at this stage...Sorry.

One for the Money just isn't my cup of tea.